Indonesian National Defence Forces: SAR Course

Indonesian National Defence Forces personnel complete SAR course

Eighteen members of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) have completed a maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) air-drop course held in Adelaide last week.

The TNI members - comprising pilots, load masters and life support fitters from one Navy and five Air Force flying squadrons - gained skills in fixed wing air delivery of SAR equipment in emergencies.

The course provided an opportunity for personnel from TNI, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to work together, share knowledge and gain skills in dropping SAR equipment from aircraft into the ocean.

Brigadier Ian Errington, Defence International Policy Division, said that the defence relationship with Indonesia was an important one for Australia and that training had provided benefits to both countries.

"It's a pleasure to see our respective organisations sharing knowledge of Search and Rescue skills," Brigadier Errington said.

"Dropping SAR equipment from an aircraft so that it lands precisely in the desired area can be difficult, especially in poor weather conditions.

"The SAR drop course also has the benefit of developing friendships and networks between TNI, the ADF and AMSA that can be called upon in the future if required."

The course was funded through the Defence Cooperation Program and delivered by AMSA at the South Australian State Emergency Service training facility at Adelaide Airport.

Participating personnel were presented with certificates on completion of the course by Brigadier Ian Errington and AMSA's General Manager Emergency Response, Mr John Young.

ENDS